There is a quote that says, “realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” Then, another quote says, “unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry – all forms of fear, are caused by too much Future, and not enough presence.
In a world of uncertainty, 24-hour news cycle, numerous social media platforms (constantly checking your cell phone – emails, Facebook, Instagram, etc.), reacting to natural disasters, political debates, and just the hustle and bustle of getting from one place to another – the only thing we can depend on is change and uncertainty.
With over 20 plus years of military service, I’ve learned nothing is certain in life, and the sooner we can get past that fact, the easier life becomes.
Nevertheless, I’m not a psychologist, psychiatrist, or behavioral health specialist. Yet, I know what has worked for me as a leader in times of unease, anxiety, tension, and stress.
People are looking for leadership in unknown, tense, rapidly evolving situations, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Handling the Now and not the Future
The research around fear tells us that our fears frame and inform how we see the world, how we make decisions, and how we envision the Future. I’ve learned to stop trying to predict and control everything, which the research shows that this type of behavior can backfire.
The American Psychological Association conducted a study on Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and intolerance of uncertainty which is a critical cognitive distortion in an anxiety disorder that is currently growing in young and older adults.
If its Tuesday morning, why are you worried about Friday? Therefore, try concentrating on the here and now.
On my second tour in Iraq, the unit was extended three extra months, which meant we would be doing a 15-month combat rotation. Thus, we had ten months left of dangerous, difficult, and unpleasant times ahead of us. Yet, how does someone move effectively through these situations? And what if there is some unknown virus spreading around?
If you are eating breakfast on Tuesday morning, the priority is breakfast. Enjoy the eggs, toast, bacon, cereal, pancakes, coffee, or whatever you are having. For the reason that, don’t worry about the future – Wednesday morning is coming with or without you.
In other words, focus on the present, and enjoy that time with your family. At work, focus on work and prioritize your day with your coworkers. Then, at the end of the day, focus your attention at home with family and friends.
Realize profoundly that the here and now is all you have; so, make the now the primary focus of your life.
Wow, how breath taking real. Will make me change my focus. Please write more. MOTIVATIONAL!!!!
I really appreciate your feedback. “Awareness requires living in the here and now, and not the elsewhere, the past or the future. 🙂
I really enjoyed this article. In my youth, I spent a great deal of my energy and many sleepless nights obsessing over “What If” and hurts from the past. I learned the HARD WAY to let things go and FOCUS on the NOW. Tomorrow is not promised.